Have a sizzling, sparkling Fourth

Family Features

Posted:
06/27/2012 10:35:47 AM MDT

On July 4, the perfect party calls for friends, food, fireworks and plenty of red, white and blue.

"It's an easy party to pull off," says Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton. "Our celebration experts have created a patriotic-themed spread of sweet and savory treats to provide star-spangled fun for everyone."

Start the festivities off with a bang using festive tableware and decorations like Fourth of July party pics -- a simple way to add spark to any celebration. Play up the Independence Day theme throughout -- from beverage to dessert.

"Serve an easy-to-eat meal dressed up with holiday colors," says Siler. "All Star Sliders on Cornbread Buns are a delicious spin on the classic burger. The cornbread buns are baked using the Wilton Star Whoopie Pie Pan to add a festive twist to the traditional bun. Patriot's Peanut Butter Popcorn -- a yummy mix of popcorn, peanut butter and colored candies -- is an ideal salty-sweet treat. Packed in star-studded gift bags, this easy-to-make goodie is a party favorite and a perfect take-home for guests."

Cool down when the temperature rises with refreshing, fruity Red and Blue Raspberry Lemonade. Have a blast decking out the glasses with stripes, stars and swirls using edible blue Sparkle Gel.

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What's more fun than the fireworks finale? Dessert! Guests will ooh and aah over Banana Split Surprise Cake -- a decadent dessert with a surprise strawberry ice cream center. It's a new take on cake and ice cream, great for serving a crowd.

Visit wilton.com for more celebration ideas or to order baking and decorating supplies.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until center of bun springs back when touched. Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove to cooling grid. Repeat with remaining batter.

Sliders

3/4 pound ground chuck

1 egg, lightly beaten

½ small yellow onion, minced (about 1/3 cup)

1/3 cup shredded pepper-jack cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon chili powder

5 to 6 dashes hot sauce, or to taste

Preheat grill or broiler to medium high heat.

In large bowl, combine all ingredients until well incorporated. Form into twelve 2-1/2-inch patties. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Serve with star buns and your favorite condiments.

Patriot's Peanut Butter Popcorn

Makes about 8 cups

1 bag (3.2 ounces) butter flavored microwave popcorn

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup firmly-packed brown sugar

1 bottle (3 ounces) Patriotic Nonpareils or other patriotic sprinkles

1 package (12 ounces) Red Candy Melts Candy

Make popcorn according to package directions. In large bowl, microwave peanut butter and brown sugar for 1 minute; stir to combine. Add popcorn and stir until well coated. Sprinkle liberally with nonpareils, stirring to distribute. Spread onto parchment-lined sheet pan.

Melt Candy Melts Candy according to package directions. Drizzle over popcorn. Let set at least 10 minutes before serving.

Red and Blue Raspberry Lemonade

Makes about 8 servings

1-1/3 cups (about 6 ounces) fresh raspberries, divided

1 can (12 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate

Water

Blue Sparkle Gel

Place one raspberry in each cavity of the Star Ice Cube Silicone Mold. Cover with water; freeze several hours to set. Reserve remaining raspberries.

In large pitcher, mix lemonade according to package instructions. In food processor or blender, pulse remaining raspberries until smooth; strain through sieve to remove seeds. Stir raspberry puree into lemonade. Serve with raspberry ice cubes in glasses decorated with Blue Sparkle Gel.

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